Education: Nearly 430 Serrano High School grads march into the future

Friday

Jun 2, 2017 at 12:24 AMJun 2, 2017 at 12:24 AM

Matthew Cabe Staff Writer @DP_MatthewCabe

PHELAN — As the members of Serrano High School’s Class of 2017 descended a narrow path toward Snowline Stadium on Thursday, they were accompanied by Michael Kamen’s “Overture and a Prisoner of the Crusades (From Chains to Freedom).”

The song — part of the score for the 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” — proved an apt introduction to the themes of the evening: independence and opportunity.

Graduate Brianna Beckwith, who was selected to deliver the ad hoc student speech, laughed through joyful tears as she bestowed a bit of wisdom on her peers.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it by living someone else’s life,” Beckwith said. “Don’t be trapped by other people’s opinions about you. Be who you are and don’t let people change you. Listen to your inner voice.”

In total, 428 seniors received diplomas during the ceremony. Of those, 63 earned the 2017 California Seal of Biliteracy for their proficiency in two or more languages. All were led by valedictorian Sarah Nolt-Caraway (4.72 GPA) and salutatorian Cydney Gage (4.66).

During her speech, Gage told classmates that empathy, not hatred, is the path to success.

“People hurt you. They betray your trust and let you down,” she said. “They may just irk you, and seem as annoyances that the universe has sent to personally destroy you. But this stagnant mindset prevents advance and hinders success. We haven’t gotten to where we are today without the influence of others — parents, friends, teachers — and won’t go anywhere without continuing to accept help from others.”

Meanwhile, with her sights set on Northern Arizona University, Nolt-Caraway leaned on reflection in her speech.

“We are young. This is the time to make mistakes and change our minds,” she said. “I walked into kindergarten wanting to be president. Then I wanted to be a zoologist. Then I wanted to be a lawyer. Then I wanted to be a doctor. And now I just want to go into college with an open mind and let my passions lead me to my future career, whether it’s a geologist or an anesthesiologist.

“The best thing I can say is to just do what you want to do and constantly strive to achieve your goals. We are done and off to bigger and better things. It is our time now to make a difference and lead the way for younger generations.”

The ceremony was doubly memorable for Snowline Joint Unified School District Superintendent Ryan Holman. Not only was Serrano’s 39th graduating class the first he’s accepted in his new role, but his daughter — Riley Holman — was among those graduating, as well.

Ryan Holman, himself a Serrano graduate, fought back tears as he congratulated the Class of 2017 for overcoming “untold challenges,” and he ushered them into the future with heartfelt advice.

“I see heroes,” Holman said. “So, my urging to all of you is to continue to be heroes beyond today. The late David Bowie told us … just that. He said, ‘We can be heroes forever and ever.’ Be heroes in your lifelong pursuits. More importantly, be heroes as sisters and brothers. As daughters and sons. As granddaughters and grandsons. As future mothers and fathers. Be heroes as Serrano High School graduates.”

Matthew Cabe can be reached at MCabe@VVDailyPress.com or at 760-951-6254. Follow him on Twitter @DP_MatthewCabe.